Sophia’s face went pale.

Her lips trembled, but no sound came out.

“Miss Reed, would you care to explain this?” The officer shut the evidence box.

Sophia drew a shaky breath, fighting to steady herself. “May I make a call?”

After a brief pause, the officer nodded. “Go ahead.”

Her fingers shook as she gripped the phone. Her mind raced.

She almost called Ethan, but stopped herself just in time.

He was overseas on business. Involving him now would only make things worse. She couldn’t risk it.

She needed someone who could get her out—fast.

In the end, she dialed Victoria.

The line connected. Victoria’s voice was soft with sleep. “Sophia? It’s late. Is everything alright?”

Tears clogged Sophia’s throat. “Victoria…” She choked on a sob. “I’m… I’m in trouble.”

Instantly, Victoria’s tone sharpened. “What happened? Tell me.”

Between ragged breaths, Sophia spun her story. She painted herself as the innocent victim of Isabella’s cruel scheming.

“Isabella set me up…” Her version was far from truthful, dripping with melodrama.

“She did that to you?” Victoria’s voice flared with indignation. “Hold on, Sophia. I’m coming. Where are you?”

Sophia whispered the address, then let out a broken whimper. “Victoria, I’m so scared.”

“Stay calm. I’m on my way!”

The two officers exchanged a look. One stepped forward. “Miss Reed, please come with us.”

Sophia stood. “Alright.”

Her eyes burned with raw, undisguised hatred.

Silently, she vowed Isabella would never know peace again.

Across the city, Isabella had just arrived home.

The living room was quiet, filled only with the soft, even sound of Liam’s breathing.

Curled on the sofa, he was wrapped in a cozy blanket, fast asleep. Isabella moved silently across the room. She gently adjusted the blanket to keep him warm.

Liam’s peaceful expression eased some of the tension in her chest.

She walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. City lights glittered in the darkness. Her thoughts swirled.

She took out her phone and stared at the unanswered calls to Ethan.

She had intended to finalize their divorce soon, but he hadn’t responded to any of her messages.

Where was he? Why wasn’t he picking up?

A cold dread settled in her stomach, followed by a wave of anxiety.

After a moment’s hesitation, she decided to call Benjamin instead.

The call connected after two rings.